Tough day at Taieri 7s

WRECKING ball front rowers, towering locks, sniping half backs and fleetoffoot wingers were in abundance at the annual Taieri 7aside tournament yesterday.

Almost 900 under 13s took part in the 57th edition of the competition, played at Peter Johnstone Park, Mosgiel.

For some it was a day of triumph — host Taieri won four age groups and Pirates won three.

For others it was a tough day of tackling and chasing.

However, with seven minute halves and games kicking off every 15 minutes, this tournament was a marathon, not a sprint.

‘‘It’s been a brilliantly fine day weatherwise with a good hard frost this morning, so it was a good day outside for rugby,’’ organiser Tim Guthrie said.

‘‘The sportsmanship has been absolutely exceptional, both onfield and on the sidelines. It’s been very positive, which has been great to see.’’

The tournament attracted 86 teams, with squads of 10 players maximum, plus an army of family, supporters and coaches. Results. —

Under7: Pirates Raiders 1, Taieri Black 2. Under8: Pirates Whitepointers 1, Kaikorai Black 2. Under9: Taieri Gold 1, Taieri Blue 2. Under10: Taieri Gold 1, Eastern 2. Under11: Pirates Buccaneers 1, Alhambra Union 2. Under12: Taieri Blue 1, Clutha 2. Under13: Southern Magpies 1, Southern Ravens 2. Under10 Girls: Alhambra Union 1, Green Island 2. Under13 Girls: Taieri 1, Kaikorai Valley College 2.

Carving up . . . Southern’s Kyrah Sinclair (10) out on her lonesome heading for the try line against Taieri in the under 10 girls.

Bright future . . . Spectators shield their eyes from the sun as they check out the rising talent on show at the Taieri 7aside tournament.

Toko tops . . . Pirates defenders are playing catchup as Toko’s Ned Scott (6) breaks free, supported by (from left) Ben Scott (6), Rory Lister (6) and Cooper Divers (6).

Will ‘o the wisp . . . Pirates player Henry Smale (11) is surrounded by tacklers but proves too elusive for the Zingari boys to catch.

Eye on the prize . . . Southern’s Mounga Moataame (6) keeps a wary eye on looming Taieri defenders (from left) Max Sidon (7) and Felix Smith (6). On hand if he gets caught are team mates Chloe FrielHughes (7) and Toutai Mafi (7).

PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN Fuel stop . . . Green Island Gold’s Ethan Dettling (6) helps himself to some of Finn Pulley’s (7) popcorn as the under 7s rest between matches.

Pass it on . . . Charlotte Crosbie (7), of Clyde, enjoys herself while waiting for her cousin’s team to kick off again.

Don’t argue . . . Southern under 12’s Uriah Genet puts the big fend on Clutha’s Harlan Puna (11).

What rugby? Marli Sole (3), of Alexandra, is taking full advantage of the chair and the snacks.